Martinez said: “To have 66 points at this stage of the season is a remarkable achievement by the players. They deserve incredible credit for the position we are in.

“I think it is going to take the highest points total in Premier League history to finish fourth.”

There was an unfortunate moment before kick-off when seemingly unaware Everton fans arriving in the stadium, disrupted the minute’s silence to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, causing a reaction around the ground.

Jack Colback, set to leave Sunderland this summer as a free agent and linked with local rivals Newcastle, came into midfield for Liam Bridcutt, whose partner had gone into labour.

Poyet has faced criticism for his three-man central defence but the Black Cats’ boss reverted to a flat back four with skipper John O’Shea recalled after being dropped to the bench for the 5-1 defeat at Spurs.

And the home defence suffered a 14th-minute scare when Steven Naismith, who had scored in both of Everton’s previous two games, turned Brown in the box and blazed over from a glorious position.

LOOKING TOUGH: Poyet's side look doomed as their winless run continued [REUTERS]